California - Northern

[alibra]

What have you had your humidity at?

30ish 1-17, 55% day 18, 65% day 19, and 75% since

 

[ronott1]

i was wondering about what determines sex of the birds. I've read that some reptiles are determined by incubating temp (or at least that was a rumor). I was doubtful if that's the case for chickens though, but thought I'd ask.

The Hen determines gender. She has the male or female gene. Each egg will be either a male egg or female egg when it starts down the tube to be laid.

Some hens will lay more of one gender or another but it is much more predictable in chickens for gender with 50\50 much more common this way.

Heat only works with some reptiles. The best way to get a lot of Pullets is to have a good hatch rate. Over time, the ratio will even out.

 

[chiqita]

i was wondering about what determines sex of the birds. I've read that some reptiles are determined by incubating temp (or at least that was a rumor). I was doubtful if that's the case for chickens though, but thought I'd ask.

Not with chickens. The hen has the determining gene like the man does with humans (take that Henry 8th!)

I have been reading the modernist cusine books and they have huge sections on using liquid nitro in the kitchen. I have to find a used set and start a side business! I will not sell henseminator Ice cream however.

 

[PetRock]

@chiqita might take one for you. Then you could breed. I hear she's found the Henseminator equipment and is starting a mobile service

 

[Audio51]

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I raise finches too and thre are generally more males than female that hatch. My theory is that the males are more expendable, more flamboyant in color and markings, which attracts predators and they often die protecting the hens. They need to be replaced more often.

There is also a theory that the hen ( chicken or finch) has the ability to control the sex of the offspring...not on a concious level.....but based on conditions on a clutch by clutch basis. When there is more, high protein/high quality food available, they will produce more female offspring. When there is less food or the quality/protein level is lower, more males are produced.

 

[chrissyr]

Not with chickens. The hen has the determining gene like the man does with humans (take that Henry 8th!)

I have been reading the modernist cusine books and they have huge sections on using liquid nitro in the kitchen. I have to find a used set and start a side business! I will not sell henseminator Ice cream however.

If you do find yourself offering the ice cream: Although a lovely offer, I however will have to pass

 

[Audio51]

Quote:
I would be more than happy to donate all my roosters to the experiment!

 

[liz9910]

Quote:
You guys crack me up lol

 

[Audio51]

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I think @chrissyr speaks for all of us on that one!

 

[chiqita]

Only hens like henseminator Ice cream so they can become hencubators.

Speaking of it how is the real henseminator project coming along? Are we getting eggs or sperm?
(Ok my spellcheck knows henseminator now!)